Former Rockets star and long-time NBA coach and mentor John Lucas will join the Rockets staff as the head of player development, a person with knowledge of the deal said on Tuesday. The individual spoke on the condition of anonymity because the agreement had not been announced.
Lucas has long worked with players on every level in Houston, with many NBA players traveling in the offseason to be a part of his program. Many athletes and coaches have also sought his guidance to battle substance abuse and other issues.
Lucas, whose own drug and alcohol abuse shortened his playing career after the Rockets made him the first pick of the 1976 draft out of Maryland, worked with guard Ty Lawson last season, spending time at most Rockets home practices, but did not have an official role with the team.